Thanksgiving 2025 Holiday Closures

Accounts Payable Closed Thanksgiving & Fri., Nov.28 Administration Closed Thanksgiving & Fri., Nov. 28(on-call for emergency procedures; page AOC through switchboard) BMG – Ashland Wed., Nov. 26: Closing at 3 p.m.(page provider on-call) Closed Thanksgiving & Fri., Nov. 28 BMG – Boonville Wed., Nov 26: Closing at 12 p.m.(page provider on-call) Closed Thanksgiving & Fri.,…

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August DAISY Award Honoree – Alyssa Smothers, RN

Alyssa has worked at Boone Health for a little over 4 years now on our Labor and Delivery unit. What she loves most about being a labor and delivery nurse is the privilege of walking alongside families during one of the most meaningful moments of their lives. "It’s incredibly rewarding to support and empower patients in such a vulnerable and transformative time," Alyssa said. She values the unique combination of technical expertise and compassionate care her role requires, and she's constantly inspired by the strength and resilience she witnesses in her patients. "Every birth is different, and I love the challenge, the teamwork, and ultimately the joy of helping welcome new life into the world." When she's not at work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, trying new recipes at home, or exploring tasty food at fun restaurants. “We recently had a post-op complication from a C-section. Alyssa followed her gut and knew something was not right with the patient. She sought out additional help from nurses and the OB provider. It was determined that the patient was bleeding internally and needed to be rushed to the Operating Room (OR). Alyssa sprang into action and stayed with her patient the whole time, continuously reassuring the patient and her husband. She initiated the massive transfusion protocol and helped every step of the way in the OR. Alyssa made multiple runs to the blood bank and stayed well past her shift to ensure the patient was stable and reunited with her husband. That patient is still with us today because Alyssa knew something wasn't right and followed her gut." - Nomination submitted by Lori Bietsch.

Alyssa has worked at Boone Health for a little over 4 years now on our Labor and Delivery unit. What she loves most about being a labor and delivery nurse is the privilege of walking alongside families during one of the most meaningful moments of their lives. “It’s incredibly rewarding to support and empower patients…

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October DAISY Award Honoree: Valerie Priest, RN

Valerie Priest, RN

Please join us in congratulating Valerie Priest, RN, in the Pre-Anesthesia Surgical Services (PASS) department on being recognized with October’s DAISY Award! “I had shoulder pain that was affecting every aspect of my life, but most importantly my sleep. For about half a year I tried every possible option, including physical therapy, steroid injections, creams,…

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Jessica Kern, BSN, RN, CEN

Emergency Department, Staff Nurse 4-P Jessica Kern has been a cornerstone of the Boone Health Emergency Department since 2014, bringing nearly 11 years of dedication, expertise, and heart to her role. With a total of 13 years in emergency nursing, Jessica began her career at Audrain Medical Center before joining Boone Health, where she’s remained…

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Boone Health has lowest readmission rates in Missouri

The key statistic measures the percentage of people readmitted to a hospital within 30 days; Boone Health tied with Mosaic Medical Center in Maryville for the lowest rate in the state. COLUMBIA, Mo. – Returning to a hospital after either an in-patient or out-patient procedure increases the risk of infection, not to mention that it…

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Boone Health increasing primary care capacity to address dire need

The award-winning organization has hired 8 new doctors, each of which can see 1,800 patients, with more coming by the end of 2025. COLUMBIA, Mo. – Throughout the country, health care continues to experience shortages of providers in key areas, especially primary care. Here in mid-Missouri, Boone Health has been diligently working to address those…

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A Skill That Can Save Lives

The vital importance of learning CPR. In the realm of emergency response, few skills are as universally crucial as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, or CPR. CPR serves as a beacon of hope in dire situations when a person’s heart ceases to beat or their breathing stops. The ability to administer CPR can mean the difference between life…

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Staying Safe During Respiratory Season

What do we mean by “respiratory season”? Respiratory season covers a range of illnesses, most notable influenza (flu), COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Boone Health’s Infection Prevention Department monitors case numbers for these illnesses closely. This helps determine if visitor restrictions are needed to protect Boone Health’s patients. When is respiratory season? Respiratory season…

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A More Efficient Emergency Room

David experienced a very long ER wait time with his late wife. When he returned years later, he was pleasantly surprised with how quick his ER visit was. Boone Hospital has been part of David Strodtman’s family’s life for decades. His son was born here in 1961. Although they moved to Colorado for 40 years,…

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Mental Health-Related Emergency Room Visits

“There’s a wide variety of mental health issues that arise in the emergency room,” said Melissa Rapp, Boone Health Social Worker. “It is such an integral part of our lives and when you have good mental health, you tend to take it for granted.” Reasons that people need emergency room care when having a mental-health…

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